Our digital landscape evolves at a rapid pace, with the emergence of new technologies every day - and with this growth, the accessibility of all things digital is a pressing concern. Without proper attention, organisations run the risk of creating a space that can actively alienates people with disabilities, but this time online.
Digital accessibility is about breaking down barriers. Digital accessibility is about ensuring people of all abilities can harness the power of the internet. Digital accessibility is about empowering people of all abilities to access online information and services.
If organisations are aiming to improve the accessibility of their online content, a fundamental start is adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines offer a framework for creating accessible online content.
But digital accessibility is more than just rule compliance. It is about understanding the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities and considering their needs from the outset.
We must practice what we preach! This is how we at Easy Read Online strive to be digitally accessible:
Giving our clients the option of a WCAG 2.2 compliant version of their commissioned Easy Read document.
Offering interactive versions of forms and surveys that can be filled in online.
Championing accessible online content by incorporating descriptive links, form accessibility, reduced mouse interaction, responsive design and clear fonts into our website.
Including alt text on any images that are used on our website and accompany our social media posts.
Regularly reviewing, maintaining and improving the accessibility of our online content.
To find out more about digital accessibility, you can read about and take part in Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD): https://accessibility.day/